At the Ant-Man movie premiere stars, and Hollywood power players were able to see the movie for the first time. The rest of us have to wait until July 17th. That doesn’t mean they didn’t offer us some scraps from the table, for instance, here’s… Read More »Marvel’s Ant-Man Premiere features big stars and a new clip
While the Walt Disney Company has yet to announce an official successor for current CEO Bob Iger, the path just became much clearer for COO Tom Staggs. His closest rival was CFO Jay Rasulo, however he just announced he’ll step down at the end of… Read More »Disney CFO Jay Rasulo to Step Down
If Star Wars fans feel a little frustrated with the pace of news coming from Disney about the rejuvenated franchise, that’s deliberate. On the Walt Disney Company’s recent earnings call with investors, Disney CEO Bob Iger explained the Mouse House’s strategy. “Generally speaking, you’re going… Read More »Disney CEO Promises deliberate Star Wars rollout
Time is once again hosting the list of the 100 most influential people on their website. For a twist, each honoree is introduced by one of their peers. Disney CEO Bob Iger makes the list and introduced by fellow media mogul Rupert Murdoch. It’s a… Read More »Disney CEO Bob Iger on list of Times 100 Most Influential People
“You can’t top pigs with pigs,” Walt Disney reportedly answered after being asked by theater owners whether he’d make another Three Little Pigs short after the first one had won an Academy Award and had considerable box office success. Of course, the irony is that… Read More »How long can Disney top pigs with pigs?
When Tom Staggs was announced as Chief Operating Officer, it was mentioned he’d retain control of the Disney Parks division until a successor could be found. I think everyone had a 6 to 12 month timeline on that, but Disney can move fast when it wants to.
Effective today Bob Chapek has been named Chairman, Walt Disney Parks and Resorts. Chapek is a 22-year veteran of The Walt Disney Company, having served since 2011 as President of Disney Consumer Products, driving a technology-led transformation of the Company’s consumer products, retail and publishing operations. Prior to that he managed Disney’s Home Video/DVD division.
If this move seems familiar it’s because Disney already tried this once with moving Paul Pressler from President of the Disney Stores to Disneyland (and then Disney Parks). The implication that the parks are little more than giant Disney stores is clear. Paul and his successor Cynthia Harriss were never quite able to shake themselves of the rules of retail and took their eyes off the real important things at the theme parks. I have a few suggestions for Bob on how to avoid that fate at the end of this article.
It’s true that this could be a move to expand Bob’s horizons and groom him for additional responsibility within the company. The good news is that merchandise mix at the parks is one thing the parks are generally doing well (the Big Hero 6 mix was a failure, alas). I don’t know much about Bob, this could a perfect fit for him, and I hope it is, but history hasn’t been kind on similar moves.
“Under Bob’s leadership, Consumer Products has seen great success, focusing on brands and a franchise-driven strategy while launching new products and retail experiences that combine technological innovation and creativity,” Disney CEO Bob Iger said. “He is an experienced and versatile executive well-suited to lead Parks and Resorts into the future.”Read More »Bob Chapek moves from Disney Stores to Disney Parks Chair
This just in. Thomas Staggs has been named the new Chief Operating Officer of The Walt Disney Company. This makes him the front runner for replacing Bob Iger. More later, the full press release is below: Thomas O. Staggs has been named Chief Operating Officer… Read More »Breaking: Thomas Staggs named COO of The Walt Disney Company
In an interview with Bloomberg News’ Trish Regan Disney chair and CEO Bob Iger discusses the importance of the Star Wars franchise to Disney. He also talks about seeing the film while its in progress, one of the very few people to have that honor.… Read More »Disney CEO can’t wait for everyone to see new Star Wars movie